Awarding Credit for Prior Learning

About Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) is a process that recognizes college-level learning from work experience, military training, and examinations through the award of transfer credit toward a degree or certificate from an accredited college or university.

Institutions looking to grow or maintain enrollment can attract adult learners, military-connected students, and working professionals through effective CPL policies.

Getting Started with Credit for Prior Learning

Today’s learners are selective when choosing a college or university. With effective CPL implementation, you can ensure your institution is the clear choice for learners with prior educational experience.

ACE is excited to offer Building CPL Momentum, a comprehensive CPL training course designed to address challenges colleges and universities face when building or strengthening CPL practices. This course offers seven instructional modules and over 50 practical resources covering topics from catalyzing change to mastering credit equivalencies.

Building CPL Momentum is available for $199 for ACE members and $249 for nonmembers.

Building CPL Momentum
Supporting Military Learners

Institutions that demonstrate their commitment to serving military learners through standardized, transparent credit evaluation practices reduce barriers for this population and as a result strengthen their reputation and visibility among military and veteran learners.

The ACE Military Guide is a free, interactive application designed to help registrar and admissions staff document, store, and export academic credit equivalencies for military and veteran learners. ACE also offers access to free training courses that empower teams to use the Military Guide with confidence and ensure they are meeting institutional and regulatory requirements.

Visit Military Guide
Strengthening Credit for Prior Learning

Is your institution ready to move beyond individual transcript evaluation and take a systematic approach to CPL? Join the ACE Equivalency Exchange! The ACE Equivalency Exchange is an innovative CPL equivalency directory designed to strengthen how CPL is understood, applied, and supported across higher education.

​Learn More
 
 

ACE CPL Training

Enhance your skills with the ACE Building Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Momentum program designed to transform your approach to CPL.

ACE CPL Training

The Military Guide

Explore military training and occupations carrying ACE recommendations.

The Military Guide​

The ACE National Guide

Discover corporate training, certifications, exams, and alternative educational programs with ACE credit recommendations and validated competencies.

The ACE​ National Guide​
​Return to Colleges and Universities Page

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